In any organisation—large or small—office politics in the workplace is something almost everyone encounters. Whether you call it politics at workplace, work politics, or corporate politics, it affects how decisions get made, how careers progress, and how teams function. Understanding what these dynamics are and learning work politics how to deal with them can help you stay ahead, reduce stress, and build strong professional relationships.
What is politics at workplace?
Politics at workplace refers to the informal behaviours, alliances and negotiations that happen in an organisation beyond the formal structure. According to one source: organisational politics involves “activities employees undertake … to acquire, increase, and wield power and resources to gain a desired outcome.”
It may be driven by competition for scarce resources (promotions, budget, recognition) or by unclear goals and decision-making processes. For example, a study found that key indicators of workplace politics include unclear objectives, budget allocations, decision-making, salary & promotion issues, power dynamics and resulting job dissatisfaction.
| Fun fact
One study found that about 33% of UK workers consider office politics a major contributor to workplace unhappiness—and in companies with over 1,000 employees, about 85% reported it exists. |
Example of office politics
Here are some real-life instances:
- A colleague consistently takes credit for your idea in team meetings—this is an example of office politics where status is gained at another’s expense.
- A manager allies with certain team members, giving them more resources and influence—illustrating corporate politics in action.
- Information hoarding: one person withholds key project updates so they appear indispensable. This is part of work politics in many organisations.
These behaviours may seem subtle, but they can impact morale, collaboration, and productivity.
Why office politics in the workplace matters
Understanding office politics in the workplace matters because:
- It affects job satisfaction: When people feel decisions are unfair, they disengage.
- It affects performance and career growth: Interestingly, research shows that “political skill” (i.e., being aware of and navigating politics) is linked to higher job performance, reduced stress and more promotions.
- It affects team dynamics and organisational health: When politics dominate, trust declines, collaboration suffers, and turnover rises.
So it’s not just “someone else’s problem”—it’s something every professional should recognise and handle.
Work politics: how to deal
Here are practical steps for dealing with work politics smartly and ethically:
- Map the landscape – Understand who holds influence, formal and informal. Recognise key stakeholders and decision-makers.
- Stay visible and credible – Make sure your contributions are documented and visible. This builds your reputation.
- Build strong relationships – Networking internally is part of healthy politics. It isn’t manipulative if done genuinely. Research shows political skill includes networking and interpersonal adaptability.
- Be clear and aligned on goals – When objectives are vague, politics thrive. If you’re part of an organisation offering leadership development (such as the HCI Leadership Academy), you may find modules that strengthen goal-setting, stakeholder alignment and influence skills.
- Use facts and data – In political situations, presenting clear evidence and facts protects you from manipulation and builds stronger cases.
- Stay ethical and professional – Engaging in politics doesn’t mean playing dirty. Positive politics is about influencing and aligning—not undermining others.
- Choose your battles – Not every conflict is worth engaging. If the issue doesn’t impact your role or the team’s health, focus your energy wisely.
- Seek mentoring/training – Developing political awareness and influence is a skill. Training programmes (such as the ones at hcil.live) can help you build that skill set.
Corporate politics vs healthy dynamics
While corporate politics often carries a negative tone, it’s not always bad. The distinction lies in intent and impact:
- Positive politics: Aligning interests, building coalitions to drive positive change, mentoring others, and being influential in a constructive way.
- Negative politics: Sabotage, favouritism, misinformation, excluding others, power plays for personal gain at team/organisation cost.
Your goal should be to engage in the positive side of politics—become influential in a way that benefits both you and your organisation.
FAQs
Q: Is office politics inevitable?
A: Yes—almost every organisation has it. Trying to ignore it completely can leave you at a disadvantage.
Q: Can I avoid work politics?
A: Avoiding engagement entirely may not protect you. Being aware and responding appropriately is more effective.
Q: Does engaging in office politics mean I’m being unethical?
A: Not necessarily. It depends on how you engage. Ethical, constructive influence is positive; manipulative tactics are negative.
Q: What’s an example of office politics I should watch for?
A: Someone taking credit for your work in a meeting or withholding key information from the team are common examples.
Conclusion
In summary, office politics in the workplace is a reality of most professional environments. Understanding what work politics looks like, recognising politics at workplace, and learning work politics how to deal with it can help you navigate your career more effectively. By staying professional, building relationships, using facts and staying aligned with organisational goals—and by tapping into leadership development resources like those at HCIL.live when helpful—you can turn politics from a challenge into an opportunity.
Navigating corporate politics doesn’t mean compromising your principles—it means being strategic, aware and prepared.